Whoever Falls in Love First is the Dog - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Who in the Entertainment Industry Doesn’t Love Money? No One.

Tonight, Shen Mengke finally laid eyes on the legendary “Yaozhou”.

The night draped its curtain over the building, and the once dazzling lights now appeared hazy, giving everything an almost dreamlike quality.

Following Xu Shinian inside, Shen Mengke took in her surroundings.

She had already seen many of the furnishings in photos others had posted online, but seeing them in person still left her surprised.

Even as an outsider, she could tell at a glance that many of these items were easily worth over 790,000 yuan—who knew how many brooches that could buy?

Xu Shinian had been watching Shen Mengke’s reactions carefully, and so far, everything was unfolding exactly as she had expected.

Who in the entertainment industry doesn’t love money? No one.

Believing she had Shen Mengke completely under control, Xu Shinian maintained an elegant and courteous distance from her ever since they stepped into Yaozhou.

In the elevator, Xu Shinian gave a brief rundown of the evening’s guest list. Most were industry insiders, and even the few outsiders were either prominent or wealthy—most importantly, wealthy.

Of course, birds of a feather flock together. Anyone mingling with Xu Shinian was unlikely to be strapped for cash.

Judging from the list alone, it was already a worthwhile event. Not only would she get to meet Yuan Yushan, but she’d also have the chance to network. The benefits outweighed the risks.

However, ever since stepping into the elevator, her heart had been racing inexplicably—and the moment she exited the elevator, she collided head-on with someone.

The person was dressed in a black Zen-style robe, head slightly bowed, speaking on the phone at the end of the corridor.

As she stepped out, the person looked up—and their eyes met. Shen Mengke could clearly see that Chen Yanxing froze for a moment.

Her long black hair was tied up at the back of her head in a little knot, with a few loose strands sticking out. From Shen Mengke’s angle, a slight curl at the edge was visible.

As Chen lifted her head, a strand of hair floated across her forehead, and the silver-white earring dangling from her left ear gently swayed.

Her top was buttoned meticulously, every button done up properly.

The usual heaviness and austerity of black were completely neutralized by her sharp, striking features—what emerged instead was a wildness and unruliness, in stark contrast to the calm and steadiness of the prayer beads on her wrist.

A white orchid brooch on her chest gleamed conspicuously. Shen Mengke blinked as she stared at it.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Shinian noticed her pause and looked toward the same direction. “Do you know her?”

Shen Mengke shook her head. “Her brooch looks different?”

Xu Shinian glanced over as well, frowning. “It’s a bit far, but it looks white? The white ones are a bit special—they’re reserved for a few specific families.”

Shen Mengke was confused. Of course she knew which families Xu Shinian meant. When she first saw the brooch at the auction, she had just assumed it was an overpriced pin. But seeing Chen Yanxing wearing it changed her perspective—and after learning that it was the mark of a high-level Yaozhou member, she was even more puzzled. Could a brooch like that really be sold at auction?

She glanced at Xu Shinian’s brooch. “Are all Yaozhou brooches the same? Could someone fake one?”

Xu Shinian chuckled, a hint of mockery in her tone. “How could they be the same? Each member’s brooch has their name engraved on the back and contains an anti-counterfeit chip. If it’s fake, you wouldn’t even get through the door.”

“Oh.” Shen Mengke glanced again in Chen Yanxing’s direction, only to find that pair of eyes still fixed on her.

She felt uncomfortable under the gaze and quickly turned to Xu Shinian. “Let’s go.”

Maybe the brooch she saw at the auction was just a coincidence. She had only seen the picture—maybe it only looked similar.

It wasn’t until Shen Mengke followed Xu Shinian into the private room that Chen Yanxing hung up the call. Her sharp gaze was still locked on the now-closed door.

Ren Zhou appeared from around the corner, patting her on the shoulder from behind. “What are you staring at? Get inside.”

Chen Yanxing withdrew her gaze. “JREase just called me.”

Ren Zhou’s eyes lit up. “You got the connection?”

Chen nodded. “The meeting’s the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s amazing!”

Ren Zhou was thrilled and completely ignored the displeasure in Chen Yanxing’s eyes. “Then why are you still standing here? Go in already.”

“No rush. I’m waiting for someone.”

“Who?”

Chen didn’t answer. Instead, she made a call in front of Ren Zhou. “Send the sealed documents from my desk to Yaozhou.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Hearing the voice on the other end, Ren Zhou immediately knew who it was. She sighed. “What’s in it?”

“A contract.”

“With who?”

“The fox.”

“…”

If she didn’t know her childhood friend had been sent to a Taoist temple, Ren Zhou might’ve thought Chen Yanxing had been possessed by some kind of spirit. She frowned and asked, “You hunting demons now?”

Chen gave her a look but didn’t respond. Ren Zhou could tell from that glance that she was being judged.

Ren Zhou waved her off. “Fine, whatever. Du Junyi’s arriving soon, don’t be too late.”

Chen nodded, but her gaze never left her phone.

As if they shared some telepathic link, a message popped up on her screen the moment Ren Zhou left.

Shen Mengke: “Was that you?”

Party A – Little Taoist: “It was me.”

Shen Mengke didn’t reply again. Chen Yanxing leaned against the wall, eyes on her phone, waiting for the contract to arrive.

Inside, the moment Shen Mengke stepped into the private room, she was overwhelmed with discomfort.

The air was thick with smoke and the mingled scent of alcohol and perfume. She instinctively frowned—even Xu Shinian was annoyed and snapped, “What are you doing? Who let you smoke in here?”

With her arrival, the guests quickly put out their cigarettes.

Someone opened a window, and as Shen Mengke looked out, she saw the star-filled sky. Regret washed over her. Maybe she shouldn’t have come with Xu Shinian tonight.

There would be other chances to meet Yuan Yushan. Meeting your idol in this kind of setting just felt… wrong.

Before she could dwell on it, Xu Shinian was already dragging her deeper into the room. The door closed behind them with a soft thud, and Shen Mengke felt like she had stepped into a cage—the kind with thorns lining its edges, pricking her any time she tried to reach out.

Xu Shinian glanced around and paused when she saw a girl wearing a white orchid brooch. Someone immediately introduced her: “This is Miss Shen Jingli from Yun City. Xu-jie, remember we talked about her?”

Hearing “Yun City,” Shen Mengke’s eyes lit up. She turned toward the voice.

Across the room, the two women locked eyes for a moment, then quickly looked away.

They didn’t know each other.

Only then did Xu Shinian seem to recall the name and nodded, pulling Shen Mengke along for introductions.

“You probably know most people already?”

Shen Mengke looked around. There were actors, singers, and a few behind-the-scenes producers and directors. What surprised her was that, aside from the girl with the white orchid brooch, there was also a lyricist.

Her name was Ava—currently the most sought-after lyricist in the market. She was known as the top of her craft, famous for her poetic and emotional lyrics rich in imagery and classical beauty.

Many fans followed songs just because Ava wrote them. She hadn’t made public appearances in a long time, so it was shocking to see her here at one of Xu Shinian’s gatherings.

Noticing Shen Mengke’s prolonged gaze, Xu Shinian teased, “Ava, if there’s ever an opportunity, please consider our little film queen here.”

Shen Mengke was flustered. “Xu-laoshi!”

Xu Shinian laughed. “Just kidding. Don’t call me teacher—call me ‘sister.’”

Ava gave Shen Mengke a once-over and nodded. “You’d be good for a music video.”

Shen Mengke was thrilled. “Thank you, Ava-laoshi.”

Once introductions were done, it was time for Xu Shinian to introduce Shen Mengke to everyone else.

She wrapped one arm around Shen Mengke’s waist, pulling her closer, and announced, “This is Shen Mengke, a well-known actress—my leading lady.”

Shen Mengke felt uncomfortable with such close contact, body going rigid. Before she could step away, she heard the title again.

“Leading lady.”

It felt too heavy. She wanted to reject it instinctively, but the crowd’s excited cheers overwhelmed her. In the end, her modest response never made it out of her mouth.

After they sat down, Shen Mengke distracted herself by pulling out her phone and sending a message.

But when Chen Yanxing replied, she suddenly didn’t know what else to say. She stared at her phone for a while, then turned the screen off.

“Want a drink?” Xu Shinian asked.

Shen Mengke shook her head and looked around—Yuan Yushan wasn’t there.

“Where’s Teacher Yuan?” she asked.

Xu Shinian’s face stiffened slightly. She casually poured her a drink and said, “She had something come up last minute and couldn’t make it. She heard you admire her and said she regrets not being able to meet you—promised she’d see you next time.”

“Next time…”

Staring at the glass Xu Shinian handed over, Shen Mengke felt her voice fade. She wanted to escape.

Suddenly, her phone rang. The entire room fell silent. Dozens of eyes turned toward her.

Under their stares, Shen Mengke felt exposed. She could tell that Xu Shinian was the center of the gathering—so naturally, anyone by her side would be under the spotlight.

She quickly pulled out her phone, and upon seeing it was a call from Chen Yanxing, she exhaled in relief and smiled faintly.

“Sorry, Xu-laoshi, I need to take this.”

Without waiting for permission, she had already stood up and headed for the door.

The call was already connected by the time she reached it.

She whispered, “Hello?” but the line stayed quiet.

Pushing open the door and stepping outside, she looked up—and saw Chen Yanxing standing right in front of her.

Left hand holding a folder, right hand still holding her phone.